In the 1980s, sociologist Viviana Zelizer proclaimed that we were living in the age of the “priceless” child.
She noted that in the late 19th century, children were valued primarily for their economic contributions to their families, and to society at large. But by the early 20th century – and in the wake of child labor laws and declining rates of child mortality – the value of children started to be defined in sentimental terms.
Today, in an era of obsessive child-proofing and Amber Alerts and princess-themed birthday parties, the idea of the priceless child is easy to grasp. It can also be seen in the constant hovering of “helicopter” parents, ready to swoop in at a moment’s notice to protect their little darlings from harm, even minor inconvenience.
Yet popular culture also abounds with more complex – even overtly negative – portrayals of children and childrearing. We might think of the little terrors depicted in television shows like Toddlers and Tiaras and Super Nanny. Then there are the foul-mouthed pranksters of Southpark and The Simpsons.
Meanwhile, scholars, educators, and journalists have all raised concerns about the consequences of constant hovering, both for parents’ stress levels and for the fate of their overly-doted-on kids.
These more complex depictions of children and childrearing led us to our research questions.
